Monday, June 16, 2008

PITTSBURGH TRIP IN VIDEO

Before I close out my trip to Pittsburgh two weeks ago, I just wanted to share these videos with everyone and show you a trip that was years in the making. I had the best time in the Steel City (even though my Penguins lost) and will return soon when the Pens make the Finals yet again. So in a nutshell, everyone has seen the pics, and now I'm once again telling a story... Through the magic of video. Enjoy everyone!

It starts with my first visit to the famous "Igloo" for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals...



The Penguins have the oldest stadium in the league so they don't have the underground parking so they actually park at the side of the arena...


Hal Gill and Marian Hossa

Miiiiiiiiiister Keeeeenedy!


Sergei Gonchar and Evgeni Malkin


Then your boy finally gets inside the arena! Section C16


The Red Wings and Penguins Warming Up...



Stanley Cup Intro... Numbing. Listen to me scream like a girl!



The National Anthem... GOOSEBUMPS!



Penguins 1 Red Wings 0!!! Listen To My Ass!!! Bedlam!



It was not meant to be that night in Pittsburgh. The Pens lose 2-1 and trail the series 3 games to 1 heading back to Detroit... In between, I take a nice little trip to PNC Park Home Of The Pittsburgh Pirates...

View of Beautiful PNC Park along with Downtown Pittsburgh in the Backdrop



Pittsburgh Pirates Dugout!



Then the next day it was Game 5. Let's face it, many people in Pittsburgh was deflated and thought it was over. They were in Detroit. The Pens haven't scored a goal yet. But I was still a true fan. You stick with the good and hang on with the bad. To get myself pumped up...


DOWN 3-1 BUT STILL HOLDING OUT HOPE!!!

And The Penguins took a 2-0 lead only to lose it 3-2 with 34 seconds left. Only to tie it in the waning seconds... And after three OT's and at 1:00 AM local time the miraculous happened!!!


PENGUINS WIN IN 3OT's!!! Stay alive 3 games to 2 going back to Pittsburgh!

But the next day... It was Heinz Field Day!!!



PETER CHAN YOU MUST BE JEALOUS!


TOUCHED THE GRASS MR. CHAN!!!

YOU WOULD PROBABLY WANT TO STAB ME RIGHT NOW FOR A CHANCE TO SWITCH WITH ME HUH??



But before I closed out my trip, there was one more task at hand. Game 6 at the Igloo. But before I headed to the arena, I wanted to take the time out and reflect on my trip. It may seem retarded and ridiculous of my fan status, but I AM a passionate fan and understand that it is more than a game to me and I explain it in detail here...



...Then after I go with a ritual of listening to Don't Stop Believing, Livin' On A Prayer, It's Not Over and One More Night... I was ready to go!!!



I got out to the arena on a rainy ass day...



GORGEOUS ASS SEATS!!!



Then The Pens Come Out For Warmups!!!



The Intros Once Again... The Igloo Never Sounded So Loud. Plus I'm buzzed and overexcited!!!



The Pens struggled to a 2-0 deficit and after falling behind 3-1 after a deflating goal by the Red Wings, the Penguins show no quit and score with 1:27 left...



...But the last seconds wasn't meant to be. The Detroit Red Wings deserved to win the championship. But the Penguins were resilient and were inches away from tying it up. I was bummed but took it all in and enjoyed a part of history.


Listen halfway in as I watch the replay of the near goal in the end.

Overall, the city was alive. I loved the blue collar atmosphere. I will definitely be back but this time for a Penguins Stanley Cup Win! Thank You Pittsburgh!